Tiger Woods is back.
The 14-time major champion still isn’t ready to compete in a PGA Tour event, but he took an important step in his comeback from two back surgeries Monday when he played five holes at the opening of Bluejack National Golf Club, which he designed.
Those five holes don’t even equal half a round, but considering Woods hasn’t played since August’s Wyndham Championship, they will do for now.
“I’m definitely a little tired, but I feel pretty good,” Woods told ESPN’s Bob Harig. “I haven’t been out here playing like this. I hadn’t played any holes until today. I know people have said I’ve played holes back at Medalist, but I haven’t. This is actually the first time I’ve played holes since Wyndham. It’s been awhile.
“I’m just progressing. You saw how I was going at it today, nice and smooth. That’s harder than I have been going at it the last month. Just gradually progressing. We’re just trying to progress, and I’m doing that.”
Even though he only played five holes at the Montgomery, Texas, course, there were plenty of highlights for Woods, who was playing alongside fellow professional golfer Mark O’Meara.
RG: One final driver before hitting the ceremonial opening tee shot @BluejackNation pic.twitter.com/S9A1v9j2YX
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
RG: Hitting first approach shot of the day with the @BluejackNation gallery walking along. pic.twitter.com/W2GU132xdt
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
RG: Several hundred are walking around @BluejackNation today. Feels a little like summer. pic.twitter.com/ReaOyAfNdE
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
RG: Beautiful afternoon. After this tee shot Feherty had a suggestion. "You should turn pro," he said. pic.twitter.com/kNTGcint3P
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
RG: Taking a crack at the par-3 12th hole. pic.twitter.com/hqArUey34r
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
RG: The tee shot on the long 18th hole. pic.twitter.com/KdI9dQHi1V
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 25, 2016
There’s still no timetable for Woods’ return to the PGA Tour, although his recent registration for this June’s U.S. Open leaves the door open for a potential comeback this summer.
“I haven’t set any date to when I’m playing again, which is frustrating to say,” Woods told ESPN. “But to be honest with you, that’s what I’ve had to do. I’ve had to go with that mindset. Would I have said that five months ago? No way. I couldn’t imagine then feeling like I do right now. Keep improving. Keep getting better. Keep making progress. And I’m doing that.”
And Monday certainly counts as progress.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Kinnan/USA TODAY Sports Images
